| This qualitative research study explores the professional experiences of workplace trainers in the 21st century multigenerational workplace (MGW) classroom. The challenge of training multiple generations in the workplace is a recent phenomenon (Raines, 2003), which will continue into the next decade (Hock, 2015). While we currently have information about preferred learning methods amongst workplace learners of all ages, the literature is sparse regarding the experiences and best practices from the perspective of the trainer who is faced with training a workplace classroom where participants range from 20 years old to 65 and over in age.;Existing research has typically been conducted using quantitative research methods, providing only partial information. Quantitative research does not inform us of the level of awareness of the generational issues in the workplace, nor does it tell us what trainers are doing to mitigate this issue. Qualitative methods were used to conduct this research and included personal interviews and on-line surveys. The researcher personally interviewed and documented the responses to a questionnaire by 10 workplace trainers from the various generational cohorts. Additionally, that same questionnaire was posted to several websites yielding a total of 80 responses (32 complete/48 incomplete). The researcher then utilized thematic analysis to identify themes, and uncover issues, strategies, and trends among today's workplace trainers.;The results indicate that workplace trainers are aware of the MGW issues and it is a challenge; however, there is no consensus amongst MGW trainers regarding strategies for overcoming those challenges. Factors that contribute to managing the MGW classroom were revealed as well as best practices. The generational landscape plays a key role in the changing workplace classroom. Further research is required to explore the experiences of current trainers since in the next 10 years, the Baby Boomers will be completely out of the work force. When Generation Next enters, Generation X (Gen-X) and the Millennials will be facing a similar issue as the trend of multi-age workforce's seems to be here for future generations. |
